2018 – A New Year, A Fresh Start – My Tips For Staying Positive

Well its finally 2018! A year I have been looking forward to ever since we booked our wedding 12 months ago. We are due to marry in May of this year and I can’t quite believe how quickly the year has crept up on us. I know its cliche to say but the time really does fly…and now with less than 5 months to go, the to do list is feeling endless!

I love the idea of a new year. It’s a time for a fresh start. It’s a time to look back and reflect on the year passed. It’s a time to set new goals and a correct anything you feel you could have done better in previous years. However, sometimes with all of this in mind, the New Year can become a little overwhelming. Anyone else feel like that?

You watch those around you who always inspire you, and they’re writing goals, starting that diet, back at the gym etc. but maybe you’re just not there yet. This can make you feel like you didn’t start the New Year right, and that you’re already behind. Bare in mind, I am writing this on the 2nd of January and I already feel behind because I spent January 1st in bed nursing a combination of a hangover and a cold that just doesn’t want to go.

I get myself worked up and put so much pressure on myself at times. That is one thing I want to correct in 2018. To stop being so tough on myself and to stop beating myself up about things that I am “not” achieving, instead focusing on the things I am doing well. It all comes back to having a positive mental attitude and that is something I have always worked hard at.

For years I have read books, listened to podcasts, watched YouTube videos on how to stay positive, the art of manifestation and the power of visualisation. Any time I feel myself adding more and more pressure to my shoulders, I tend to go back to the same few things that help me. So as 2018 begins, I thought I would share some of these with you, so that it may help someone else the way it helps me. My plan for tonight is to have a long hot bath, climb into bed and take out one of the books below.

Finding what works for you in times of stress, anxiety or overthinking is so important. I hope some of my recommendations below help you too. Here’s to a healthy, happy and positive 2018 ahead…

Books –

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Get Your Shit Together by Sarah Knight

You Do You by Sarah Knight

When Panic Attacks by Dr. Aine Tubridy

The Power by Rhonda Byrne

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff, and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

Apps –

Headspace

The Secret Daily Teachings

Moment

Calm

Sleep Genius

General Tips –

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Take some time out, even 10 minutes to switch off and just breath. The Headspace app is amazing for this.

Run a bath

Switch your phone to airplane mode

Write lists if you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you’ve too much to do.

Talk to someone. Even having a rant to your friends and just vocalising how you feel helps.

Got to bed on time and get as much sleep as possible.

Keep a gratitude diary and each night write down one thing you were grateful for that day. It helps to keep the mind focusing on the positives rather than the negatives.

I hope some of these tips work for you when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. I am naturally a positive person, but sometimes it can be easier said than done.